Rudy Galindo - 1996 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Men's Long Program

[TheKwanboy]

I never tire of watching this performance. It also gives me chills over and over again! When I need to get into a good mood, I only need to watch this! :()

[MrMcMusic01]

This never gets old and always brings chills and tears to watch. It's sad that, for the 3rd time, the powers that be chose not to induct Rudy into the hall of fame. This would have been the perfect time and place, too, since the championships were back in San Jose. I guess the bias still reigns.

[grafgirl27]

@MrMcMusic01 I love Rudy but I think it would be difficult to put him in the Hall of Fame based on his career. What are his achievements, a U.S title and World bronze. I dont recall anyone before with those achievements making it. Even Tim Wood, a 2 time World Champion who was robbed of the Olympic Gold took 20 years to get in.

[MrMcMusic01]

@grafgirl27 But, Rudy Galindo competed in pairs and singles. He has a junior world pairs title with Kristi Yamaguchi as well as 2 senior national pairs titles. When you add that to his singles National Men's Championship and world bronze medal, that should get you into the all. There are people with less "baggage" and less accomplishments who are in the hall of fame. I still believe there is some bias, there.

[3Axel1996]

@MrMcMusic01 Don't forget he was the 1987 Jr. World Champion in Men's as well.

[RanityIsOnThat]

Why did he choose not to compete in the 1998 Games :(

[TashaBetty]

@RanityIsOnThat Rudy did not come from a wealthy family. After he won nationals here, he went on to win the bronze at worlds. He was able to cash in his popularity for money on the tours. Plus he really was not all that well-received in US figure skating because of his sexuality, it was a smart move for him. There was no assurance he would still be in that position by the time the 88 Olympics rolled around.

[TashaBetty]

@TashaBetty sorry...  I meant 98 Olympics

[mlc2005]

@TashaBetty:  I never understood the bias everyone talks about regarding sexuality and the US figure skating assoc. I mean, many male skaters are gay, I'm sure many people involved in the skating community are gay (judges, officials, etc), and many, many fans of skating are gay. So what the heck was the problem?? Very weird to me.

[3Axel1996]

@mlc2005 It tends to be the fact that figure skating is a family sport and a sport for all ages. Much like in other major sports, there's a reputation and an image that must be kept up.  The USFSA is OK if you are gay as long as you don't flaunt your sexuality. There's been talk that certain male skaters have been asked to modify their demeanor at competitions so that they appear to be more masculine to the public. And there's also the fear of losing sponsorships...

[mlc2005]

@3Axel1996: Thanks for the reply. I had not thought about sponsorship, and I can see that being the case (sadly). As far as male skaters being asked to modify their behavior, well, that's really messed up as far as I'm concerned. Has the USFSA not noticed that skaters like Galindo and Weir are two of the most popular skaters in the sport; I think fans appreciate skaters who are genuine and don't try to be fake on the ice. Artificial presentation, for me, is always evident on the ice. Be real!

[gedosa]

IMPRESIONANTE!!!!!!

[getrealandsee]

This video is too awesome for words. That young man's skate, the longest and loudest applause ever heard...the longest standing ovation, Rudy and his sister, what a gift!

[mlc2005]

@getrealandsee: Wow, you managed to contribute a comment on youtube that didn't involve bashing Kwan with patronizing and inaccurate opinion.

The medication was working for you 8 months ago, and I suggest you start taking it again. Please! :)

[getrealandsee]

@mlc2005 This video is about Rudy:)-:)

[Novelwit2000]

I have to look no farther than here when I want to see the BEST male skater to participate and WIN the U.S. Nationals of Figure Skating.

They just don't make 'em like this anymore. (And they probably NEVER will!)

Thanks so much for the post!!! : O)

[trav16z]

This was the greatest moment in US National history to me

[intldawn]

Oh, a more deserving champion, there is none. Tears are streaming down my face seeing this again, so many years later. What a brilliant skater.

[shmaykel]

I've heard that Terry Gannon named this as his favorite skating performance he has ever seen. Does anyone know when he said that? Was it in a news article or on air?

[miketennis19ny]

This performance was really something.  I will never forget it.

[ja3399]

@miketennis19ny Like you, I will never forget this. Rudy was not the favorite, but here he was, in his hometown, and he skated the performance of his life. This brings tears to my eyes even now, after all these years.

[maxthewonderpup]

someone really disliked this video? Wow...